Today brings good news for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries, as a new payment is being deposited into accounts for those eligible. To qualify, individuals must have a verified disability and be born between the 1st and the 10th of the month.
If you meet these criteria, check your bank account, as the payment should arrive shortly. Additionally, a 3.2% increase has been applied to all benefits, thanks to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) made earlier this year to help beneficiaries manage inflation.
Payment
The Social Security Administration (SSA) runs one of the largest insurance programs in the U.S., supporting millions of retirees, disabled workers, and vulnerable individuals with monthly financial assistance.
In 2023, more than 67 million Americans are expected to receive over $1 trillion in Social Security benefits. SSDI is a critical component of this program, helping disabled workers who are no longer able to earn income.
For those awaiting SSDI payments, the September payment schedule is as follows:
| SSDI Program Type | Payment Date | SSDI Payment Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Beneficiaries receiving SSDI after May 1997 | September 11th | Day of birth: 1st–10th |
| September 18th | Day of birth: 11th–20th | |
| September 25th | Day of birth: 21st–31st |
If your birthdate falls between the 1st and 10th, your payment will be available today.
Eligibility
To qualify for SSDI, individuals must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s strict definition of disability, meaning it prevents them from working for at least one year. Additionally, beneficiaries must have contributed to Social Security through FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) and OASDI (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) taxes during their employment.
The SSA generally begins payments after a five-month waiting period, with the first payment arriving in the sixth month following your disability determination. If your disability is confirmed to have started before your application, you may be eligible for retroactive payments up to one year prior.
SSDI benefits continue until the individual can return to work. There are also work incentives in place to provide support, such as continued benefits and health coverage, during the transition back to employment. Upon reaching full retirement age, SSDI benefits are automatically converted to retirement benefits, but the amount remains unchanged.
Payment Amounts
The average SSDI payment is approximately $1,500 per month, though the amount can vary depending on your earnings history. For example, blind individuals may receive up to $2,590 per month, while those with higher lifetime contributions to Social Security could qualify for the maximum payment of $3,822.
Blind individuals can still qualify for SSDI benefits even if they are working. Additionally, they can earn credits at any time throughout their working life, and if they don’t have enough credits, they can use earnings records from a spouse or parent. Blind individuals may also be eligible for both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and SSDI benefits.
COLA
This year, the SSA applied a 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to all SSDI payments, helping beneficiaries keep up with rising living expenses. For those receiving the average SSDI payment of $1,500, the 3.2% COLA will add about $48 to their monthly benefit. This increase ensures that beneficiaries have more financial support as inflation impacts everyday costs.
Today’s payment will reflect both the regular SSDI amount and the new COLA increase, offering a boost to millions of disabled workers who rely on these benefits to meet their basic needs.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the SSDI payment today?
Beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of the month.
What is the average SSDI payment?
The average monthly payment is around $1,500.
How much is the COLA increase for 2023?
A 3.2% COLA increase was applied to all SSDI payments.
Can blind individuals receive SSDI while working?
Yes, blind workers can qualify for SSDI benefits while employed.
When are the next SSDI payments?
Future payments will be issued on September 18th and September 25th for other beneficiaries.
